MUNICH: The new MINI family is taking shape. The British brand presents the MINI Concept Aceman, an initial preview of its future model generation’s new design.
In the next model generation the MINI Cooper in the iconic three-door body shape, which has been reinterpreted time and again over its entire 60-plus-year history, will be joined by a crossover model for the first time. “The MINI Concept Aceman provides an initial glimpse of a completely new vehicle, bridging the space between the MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman in the model family’s future,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand. “This concept car reflects how MINI is reinventing itself for its all-electric future and what the brand stands for: an electrified go-kart feel, an immersive digital experience and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint.”
“The design language of the MINI Concept Aceman heralds the beginning of a new design era for MINI,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. Design
Along with the clear and reduced exterior and interior design, the holistic user experience of light, movement, interaction and sound also combine to define this style. Surfaces constructed from knitted recycled textile with fresh colour contrasts combine with seamless digital controls with a new OLED display as the central interface. This all creates a unique interior experience that remains unmistakably MINI. The all-electric models of the next generation are also given an independent sound design for the first time, providing emotionally compelling drive sounds and an authentic background for the new Experience Modes.
The upright front of the MINI Concept Aceman strikingly announces its presence. The brand’s iconic design features have been reinterpreted to reflect its crossover characteristics and purely electric drive.
The concept car’s cockpit is consistently reduced to the bare essentials, just as the designer of the classic MINI had in mind in 1959. Alec Issigonis designed an interior which, in addition to the seats, steering wheel and gear lever, needed nothing more than a central round instrument and toggle switch bar to experience unrivalled driving pleasure.
Consistently dispensing with chrome and leather. Chrome elements are completely dispensed with – not only in the exterior of the MINI Concept Aceman, but also inside. The steering wheel rim is laminated with dark green velvet velour, giving a particularly pleasant feel. The multifunction buttons are integrated under backlit textile surfaces. The “Aceman” lettering and a robust strap form the six o’clock spoke of the steering wheel. First public appearance at gamescom 2022 in Cologne. Germany.
